Inaugural Year
2004
Past Winners
2004 – Ben Lippen (SCISA)
2005 – Emerald (2A)
2006 – Airport (3A)
2007 – Airport (3A)
Number of Teams
2004 – 4
2005 – 8
2006 – 8
2007 – 16
2008 – 16
Brackets and Projected Finish (by author):
A - Aiken (4A), Ridge View (4A), Ben Lippen (SCISA), Hilton Head Christian (SCISA)
B - Heathwood Hall (SCISA), South Aiken (4A), Sumter (4A), Hart County-GA (3A)
C - Airport (3A), White Knoll (4A), Gaffney (4A), St. James (3A)
D - Clover (4A), Woodruff (2A), Boiling Springs (4A), Socastee (3A)
Interview
#2 in 3A and virtually unstoppable Airport High School’s Keith Morris took some time out of his day to meet me for wings, ice cream, and an evening of ice skating while answering a few questions about his Easter weekend tournament:
MY: Keith, how goes life and the season?
KM: Very good. By the way, you’re not going to make me out to be an idiot on this article are you?
MY: Of course not. I wouldn’t dare dream of doing that to you (Young laughs hysterically as if no one were watching).
KM: Why are you laughing? I’m serious, no funny stuff!
MY: No reason at all, now focus Keith, focus. Tell me about some of the teams you’ve invited this year.
KM: We’ll we’ve got Aiken high and they’re playing some good soccer as of late. Unknown Hilton Head Christian could surprise, your South Aiken group as well, and Hart County is bringing a roster of 30 girls.
MY: That’s a lot of t-shirt sales, Keith. Are you sure this tourney isn’t just about selling t-shirts?
KM: What?
MY: Exactly. Who else do we have?
KM: Ummm…this is getting weird. We’ve got our Eagles who have done well the past two years as well as White Knoll and Gaffney. 4A schools always have the numbers advantage. Boiling Springs and Clover have really come on strong this year, and of course #2 in 2A Woodruff.
MY: Can you pick a winner. If you say “South Aiken” we’re dropping out and you have to pay for my dinner.
KM: Very tempting but anyway, with the champion playing 4 games in 2 days I look for the 4A schools to have an advantage.
MY: You should pursue a career in politics. Well put my friend. Anything else you’d like to add before I turn this article into a “Keith Morris: The Man, the Myth, The Legend” type of story?
KM: I’m having second thoughts about this already. Sigh…we’re really proud of our tournament and the teams that have attended the past few years. We’ve already received emails about next year’s tournament from teams in SC, GA, and NC. It’s really a great chance to play some teams that are not from your area or classification. We’ve got almost every area in SC being represented. Being in the Columbia area also makes it pretty accessible for everyone.
MY: I see. By the way, any truth to the rumor of a “Keith Morris Tribute Statue” going up if you 3-Peat this tourney? Pre-game Keith Morris autograph sessions? Airport marching band at all Eagle games? Fixed officials scheduled for South Aiken matches? Keith Morris bobble head dolls for sale at the gate?
KM: (Long awkward silence) Goodbye. Tell your wife and son hello and ‘good luck’.
MY: (Young whispers quietly) Walk away if all the rumors are true.
KM: W-w-wait…what did you say?
MY: Been a pleasure, bud. Got to get home and get typing!
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